Current Issue Cover Story


[cover story]
Boldly go

Jennifer Smith founded Innovative Office Solutions Inc. of Burnsville in 2001, just months before 9/11 torpedoed the market for office supplies and furniture. When her management team met last fall expecting another rough economic time, they decided to add people and technology, defying so many other CEOs who were halting and cutting. The results are in and they’re stunning.

[focus]
Q&A

Many business owners received awards this spring from NAWBO Minnesota, the National Association of Women Business Owners, Minnesota chapter. Each was asked a few questions, and each supplied revealing answers that were printed in the program.



[business builder]
Social media

Just try it, when using new networks

Online marketing

How to create your own media maven in-house

Sustainability

Smart strategies to sustain your small business

Trademarks

Be careful when updating your firm’s trademark

International business

Before going global, do legal, business homework

Directors

Use process to give CEO effective review

Finance

No sale in sight? ESOP offers way out of business

Patents

In brief, better patents disclose less, hold up more

Management

How to operate as economic woe lingers

[upsize e-tools tips]

"Use your banker as an ally. Tell what you know, what you see as your problem, and ask for solutions.

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